JEREMY PAXMAN
Having spent five years giving us his views on topics ranging from Queen Camilla to Queen of the South FC, our much-loved columnist Jeremy Paxman, who suffers from Parkinson’s, tells Editor Louise Robinson why he’s calling it a day
When my phone rang and the name Paxo flashed up, I had a sixth sense that the call would herald the end of an era on Saga Magazine. Jeremy Paxman, our esteemed columnist for the past five years, wondered if I had time for lunch as there was something he wanted to discuss. He suggested his favourite restaurant around the corner from the home in west London he shares with his partner, Jill, and his beloved spaniel (and veteran Saga Magazine cover star), Derek. I rang to book but was told there was no need: ‘We always find room for Mr Paxman, madam.’
Even though I half knew what was coming, it was still a real blow to hear that Jeremy felt it was time to pass the Saga baton on to someone else. For the next couple of hours we discussed Dignitas, Dickens and, of course, Parkinson’s.
One of the many great things about the man who was my very first hire as Editor, is his unflinching honesty. It is what makes him such a great journalist, broadcaster and columnist. Saga Magazine will not be the same without him.
Congratulations on your recent award for your hugely successful podcast, Movers and Shakers, about living with Parkinson’s. Do you enjoy making it?
We have a good time recording it, at my favourite pub in London, and I’m very glad if it helps people. Everyone has a different way of dealing with Parkinson’s; some want to talk about it and others to laugh about it. Me, I do both. I also tend to curse about it frequently. Did you know that Parkinson’s is named after the surgeon who discovered it? Mr Parkinson lived in the East End of London and became fascinated by people whom he noticed couldn’t seem to walk properly. The well-heeled among them would pay someone to walk backwards in front of them so they didn’t fall over.
How are you coping?
Parkinson’s is, for me, one of the most depressing things you could ever imagine. For many people who are ill there is the prospect of getting better, the notion that things can be improved. But Parkinson’s is degenerative, and that’s tough; to know that one will carry on being like this forever is terrible. Though I suppose it is a very good opportunity not to do anything you don’t want to do – I have escaped many household chores! I have a brilliant team around me and huge support from family and friends. It may be that you won’t find PD listed as my cause of death – people don’t
